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     The misdiagnosis of breast cancer is common, especially in young women. Physicians often assume that breast cancer in a young woman is not probable, commonly due to age bias, leading to less aggressive diagnostic assessment and frequent misdiagnosis. A misplaced benign diagnosis is often given such as fibrocystic breast condition, fibroadenoma, cystic condition, and so on.

     Unfortunately, many women are reassured and relieved by a benign diagnosis. Be forewarned, however, that rather than be comforted by a benign diagnosis, it is vital to assure that your physician is correctly diagnosing your condition. I wish it was as easy as getting second medical opinions, reading your lab report for the right test results, getting a seasoned breast surgeon, and making sure that a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy are done. Although these measures may be helpful to get the right diagnosis, I still was misdiagnosed multiple times by multiple doctors, after having gone through all of these steps! (Note that multiple doctors incorrectly diagnosed my breast lump.)

        So how can women assure that they are being properly assessed and having breast cancer fully ruled out? I have tried to answer that question in Breast Lump What Lies Beneath, after thoroughly studying breast cancer misdiagnosis from leading researchers in the field. In my book, I discuss the causes for my misdiagnosis, the leading cause of breast cancer misdiagnosis, other causes, and the steps to take to help obtain the correct diagnosis. My hope and goal is that many women will be saved the agony of a breast misdiagnosis.

Tip: A persistent beast lump, especially if enlarging, may be cancerous, even if proven benign via various diagnostic tests. This is because there are inherent rates of error in all diagnostic tests to rule out breast cancer, which many women are not aware of or informed about by their physicians.Yes, second opinions, multiple diagnostic tests, and repeated diagnostic testing may reduce errors in diagnosis, but perhaps not always. Therefore, it may be safest to have a  persistent breast lump removed, especially if it is enlarging.

Give it Forward  If you have been helped by my Breast Lump Help website, consider reaching out and helping  someone you know of in need and pass the gift of giving, and as we work together we can make the world a better place.

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